Religion and Health: Empirical Evidence and Clinical Applications from a Christian Perspective

Course overview

This session reviews current empirical evidence on the relationship between religion, spirituality, and health, drawing from major findings presented in the third edition of the Handbook of Religion and Health (Koenig, VanderWeele, & Peteet, 2024) and related scholarship (Tan & Koenig, 2026). The majority of studies report significant associations between religious or spiritual involvement and multiple health domains, including mental health, social functioning, health behaviors, and physical health. Findings indicate that religious and spiritual engagement is commonly associated with greater positive affect, lower rates of emotional disorders, stronger social support, healthier lifestyles, increased participation in preventive health behaviors, and improved treatment adherence. Associations with physical health outcomes and longevity are also discussed. The session for psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, medical personnel, and ministry leaders highlights key implications of these findings for clinical practice, as well as broader implications for public health and policy. A faith-based perspective on religion, health, and clinical practice is presented to support ethically and professionally integrated care for clients who desire faith-informed treatment.